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Visited: Autumn
Recommendation: I was planning to stay at the Mt Gundabooka campground but found it to be incredibly dry and except for a few robins. I moved onto the Yanda site and it was not only stunning but also full of birds. Everything from water birds to night birds, reptiles, parrots and raptors kept me engaged for several days.
Moving north again from Cobar, I took a detour west into the Gundabooka National Park. My first stop was the Dry Tank Campground and I drove about 25km on red dirt track to get there. I knew the van was going to pay for that. The inside was probably worst with the dust visible in the air when I arrived. Sigh, a lot of cleaning. But never mind, the place was really interesting with dry mallee plants and gums. But it was dry, dry dry and very few birds. It was very hot too.
After a quick walk around, I retreated to the van which didn't help much. However, I was soon visited by a male Red-capped Robin. Struggling to get my camera up, the bird was very helpful and came closer. It was just stunning as it sat and sang for me.
Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii)
Australian robins are known for their vibrant plumage, making them some of Australia's most colorful birds. Unlike their European counterparts, they come in a variety of colors like pink, orange, yellow, black, and white . There are 20 species of robin found in Australia, with each species sporting unique color combinations. With their short tails, plump bodies, large heads, and strong legs, Australian robins have a characteristic upright posture. Their small beaks with bristles at the base are perfectly designed for snatching insects, their main source of food.
Although named after the European robin, Australian robins are not closely related. Early European explorers, upon encountering these colourful birds in Australia, simply used a familiar name They belong to the Petroicidae family, which also includes flycatchers and chats.
Mallee Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius barnardi)
Late in the afternoon, I decided to drive north through the park to another campsite which was by the River Darling. It was an even longer drive along the red track and after dodging several kangaroo and now also being covered in red dust, I arrived. It was quite arduous but so worth it.
The campsite was in a clearing and there were only a couple of other campers there. A short walk through gorgeous gum trees led to a bank overlooking the river. It was stunning and although the light was failing, there were still plenty of birds about.
Throughout the area wheeled and screamed the Ringnecks. These are the Mallee subspecies and I was thrilled to photograph them as that makes all 4 of the distinct subspecies I have photographed.
Also around were the Mulga Parrots, my first sightings since last year. These guys were feeding on the ground and were tolerant of my presence so I got really close which was wonderful as I got to see how really beautiful they are.
Male Mulga Parrot (Psephotus varius)
I saw 4 species of woodswallow in the area, with 3 of them cuddled up together. The White-browed and Little are not seen very often so it was great to get them.
Little Woodswallow (Artamus minor)
White-browed Woodswallow (Artamus superciliosus)
White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus)
Masked Woodswallow (Artamus personatus)
On my way out of the park I saw something on the track and as I slowed down, I realised it was a huge lizard. I didn't think I had seen this one before as it had a bright yellow tail. Here is a head shot and full body. Just look at how long the body and tail are!
Sand Goanna (Varanus gouldii)
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